Information for Red Deer Breeders

Land Requirements

Herd Management

Packaging Product

Herd Management

What Are Elk and Deer REALLY Like?

Elk and Deer can be extraordinary to watch. They can be extremely active on some days and at other times, very docile. Occasionally an animal can become a pet although this can become a hindrance and danger during the breeding season. They have a reputation for being flighty. When that happens, back away and let them settle down

Elk and Deer are very observant. Quite often watching everything that goes on around them. They will quickly learn who their primary caretaker is and eagerly come forward when that person appears. Elk and Deer are not chased; they are encouraged and baited in order to get to move from one pen to another. They have very individual personalities. In all cases, they should be respected for what they are – domesticated wild animals. Small animals such as cats or dogs become easy prey for their sharp hooves. Drag in a tree or a round bale to jump over and they are ecstatic. Looking for something to do with the pumpkins? Put them in the pens and watch the animals play.

The Life Cycle of Elk and Deer

Breeding Age – 16 months (mid October)
Mature Deer – 15-20 months
First calf: 2 years of age and can reproduce annually.
Antlers harvested – Year 2 of a stag’s life and annually thereafter.
Reproduction Life – up to 20 years
Cycle time for females – Begin in September and cycle through February.
Rut – by the 1^st of September.
Gestation period – 223 days (7 months, 3 weeks)
Birthing Period – end of May
Weaning – end of August, 1^st of September
Animal weight/size charts
Elk Stag – 700-1000 lbs. ; production lifespan 15-18 years.
Elk Cows – 500-700 lbs. ; production lifespan 20-25 years.
Red Deer Stag – 650 lbs. , velvet production up to 20 lbs.
White Tail Deer – Resource book: The Whitetail Chronicles

De-antlering

Antlers are dangerous! De-antlering is a safe and proven method for harvesting the velvet as well as providing a

safe environment for the does, fawns, other stags, and humans. Older bucks have to be de-antlered in early August when the antler is still in velvet but already hard enough so it does not bleed. De-antlering of young bucks can be done with rubber rings which are applied with a special tools at the bottom of the antler as close to the skull as possible.

Computer Software

Inventory management, health records, pedigree, growth, breeding management, velvet records, offspring list.

Feeding and Nutrition

FREE brochure from Purina 1-800-227-8941 for their publication of "A Guide to the Management of Deer and Elk"
Calves need a minimum of 16% protein through the first year.
Hinds can be managed with a winter maintenance minimum of 8-10% protein, 12% recommended.
Stags and velveting stags are fed 18% protein through the winter.

Pasture Management

When you are rotating pastures, do it at least a week before fawning and after that time, let the deer drift by themselves. This will make sure that the females always take their fawns with them.

The Fall RoundUp

The fall is the main time of the year for Elk and Deer. This is when the young ones are weaned from their mothers and the numbers are tallied for this years production. Two windows of time are often used: On or about September 20^th or after the fall rut. Promoters of the September date feel the females have a chance to recover from raising and caring for a fawn. Others believe the September time frame will disturb the rut. Figure out what works best for you

Transporting Animals

Trailer Care: Close off any openings in the trailer to reduce light as much as possible. Look for any exposed bolts or sharp edges that can hurt the animals during transport.

After Delivery: If the animals have been transported a long distance, give them hay and feed them water 6-8 hours later. They will investigate every corner of the pen and become familiar with their surroundings. Stay quiet and try not to alarm them. Feed them on a regular basis and they will soon become accustomed to the new routines.

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